Yes, it deepened her affliction; but it did not; on that account succeed in enabling her to obliterate his image the more easily from her heart.

The fact was, that despite the force and variety of the rumors that were abroad against him--and each succeeding week brought in some fresh instance of his duplicity and profligacy, thanks to the ingenious and fertile malignity of Hycy the accomplished--despite of this, and despite of all, the natural reaction of her heart had set in--their past endearments, their confidence their tenderness, their love, now began, after the first vehement expression of pride and high principle had exhausted the offended mind of its indignation, to gradually resume their influence over her.

A review, besides, of her own conduct towards her lover was by no means satisfactory to her.

Whilst she could not certainly but condemn him, she felt as if she had judged him upon a principle at once too cold and rigorous.

Indeed, now that a portion of time had enabled her mind to cool, she could scarcely understand why it was that she had passed, so harsh a sentence upon him.